Brian Taylor, of Poplar Bluff, caught this Missouri-record gizzard shad while gigging in the Black River on Jan. 9. / Missouri Department of Conservation

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| Missouri Department of Conservation

POPLAR BLUFF — Brian Taylor, of Poplar Bluff, took a 1-pound, 14-ounce gizzard shad from the Black River on Jan. 9 to set the first state fishing record of 2013.

Taylor gigged the 16-inch fish, earning a state record in the alternative-methods category. The previous record was a 1-pound, 8-ounce fish taken by Haden Crouch, of Bradleyville, from Beaver Creek in 2011.

The pole-and-line record belongs to Johnny Lee Ash, of Windsor, for a 1-pound, 6-ounce gizzard shad he caught below Truman Dam in 2001.

More information about Missouri fishing records is available at mdc.mo.gov/node/2476.

Anglers who catch unusually large fish but fall short of records can win recognition through the Missouri Department of Conservationís Master Angler Award program. To qualify, fish must meet minimum weight or length requirements. For example, a gizzard shad must measure at least 13 inches or weigh at least 1 pound to qualify for a Master Angler Award. For more information about the Master Angler program, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/6039.